PC 09-07-2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - SEPTEMBER 7, 2005 6 . Chair Sand asked if they were intending to increase the overhang and add a porch area which would mimic some of the other homes in the area. Ms. Furlong replied that was correct and they would like it to be consistent with the design of the rest of the neighborhood. Commissioner McClung noted most of the homes that had the overhang did not have porches. Ms. Furlong responded those residents who had the overhangs would like to add porches under their overhangs. Chair Sand stated from an aesthetic standpoint, a front porch would add to the look and would improve neighborhood communication. He noted the Chatham neighborhood was a unique situation because when that neighborhood was built, the setback requirements were different than they were today. He stated he would not vote in favor of this if it was just for the Chatham neighborhood, but this would encompass the entire City. He believed it would increase the value of the homes in the City and would benefit the City as a whole. Commissioner McClung asked where else in the City did they have situations such as this. He stated he was not opposed to this, but he wanted to make sure this was done right for everyone in the City. Chair Sand agreed they did not want to have this keep coming back. . Commissioner McClung stated he was concerned that the language they had in front of them was too specific to the Chatham neighborhood. He suggested they look at the language further to make sure that it solved all of the problems in the City. Commissioner Zimmerman stated this would allow all neighborhoods to have a porch as long as it met the requirements of 25 feet. Anyone wanting a variance of 25 feet would need to come to the Commission for approval. Chair Sand indicated they could have a second public hearing in order to elarify Commissioner McClung's concerns. Commissioner McClung stated he hoped staff would be able to catch any potential problems out there that were not covered under the proposed language. Commissioner Larson stated in what they were doing was if they delete the PUD and SUP they could go to 25 feet, so they were increasing what was allowed under items I and 2 by five feet. He indicated he believed this language would inelude most neighborhoods. Mr. Hellegers responded staff had found only one other neighborhood, Benton Way, that had different setbacks. Chair Sand noted overhangs of one foot or less, had a tendency for water infiltration and a larger overhang was better from a water safety standpoint. He stated he was not . adverse to holding a second public hearing, but he tended to be in favor of this request, however he did not want it singled out to the Chatham neighborhood. Chair Sand closed the public hearing at 8:31p.m.